Pure Religion

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

Why is looking after widows and orphans considered pure and faultless? Probably because they have no way of repaying you. James uses these words in his letter after an encouragement to put faith into practice and directly before an exhortation against showing favoritism. For his culture it was practical application. James was telling his audience to truly serve instead of looking for ways to build social capital.

This week we have an opportunity to engage in pure and faultless religion. Chi Alpha has joined forces with a number of organizations on campus to promote the play, "If Thy Tongue Can Speak." Written by Leah Bomberger, the play seeks to educate the campus community about the on-going tragedy of the violence in the eastern part of the Deomocratic Republic of the Congo. Millions have died. Thousands continue to be victimized. Access to medical care is virtually impossible, but we can make a difference. African Harvest Ministries is working with churches in the DRC to open and supply 24 clinics to begin meeting the outrageous need in the area. All of the proceeds from the play and our promotional efforts will go to fund this project. We can save lives! Will you help us fill the empty shelves of clinics like the one you see here? There is still plenty of room to get involved. Email Kera to find out how to volunteer or donate and don't forget to buy your ticket for the play. Your donation of a few dollars or an hour of work will bring hope to those with none. That's religion you can get excited about!